Dubai

Dubai


What kind of images come to mind when you think of Dubai? Most certainly, the ones of a superficial & show-off city full of bling and jet-set people partying (Sex & the City anyone ?).

Though this image might not be entirely false, I headed to Dubai with the stern conviction that there was much more to discover than just that.

And I was right. There are some hidden treasures and a new burgeoning identity that the city is determined to foster and that is worth discovering.

There’s a vibrant art and design scene and various boosting initiatives that turn the city into the most creative hub in the whole region.

It’s « the dark side of the moon » that I uncovered for you.

So get out of your hotel when you’re done with business: there’s a whole world of creativity to discover out there.

You won’t be disappointed.

  • Essentials :

  • 01

    The city. It’s a forest of buildings connected by motorways. There are few possibilities to walk. The weather is really hot most of the time; you’ll really appreciate the bliss of an air-conditioned car!

  • 02

    Distances. Dubai is a sprawling city meaning distances are really long and makes it a rather tiring city and addresses are not so easy to find. E.g. When they tell you it’s on Jumeirah beach road, don’t forget that road is 15 km long! So it’s divided in areas. Ask for the number (e.g.Jumeirah 1) and if there are landmarks close by.

  • 03

    Dress code. Dubai is quite open-minded but clothing should be “respectful” in public spaces, like malls, meaning that shoulders should be covered, skirts and dresses should be of an appropriate length and your cleavage should be covered. Bikinis are allowed around pools in hotels.

  • 04

    Food. It’s a multicultural city where you can find almost all nationalities of the planet. Did you know that foreigners make up about 90% of the population? Hence, you can find almost any type of cuisine.

  • 05

    Restaurants. Most of the nice restaurants are in hotels for the simple reason that only there can alcohol be served (otherwise it’s complicated to get the licence).

     

  • 06

    Taxis. There are loads of them and prices are reasonable:

    For half an hour drive count +/- 50 AED. This is the time you’ll need to go from downtown (basically Dubai Mall/ Burj Khalifa) to Media City.

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Interview: Anabelle de Gersigny

Comptoir 102: two French women rock the retail experience in Dubai

Dubai - 12 juin 2015

Emmanuelle Sawko and Alexandra de Montaudouin in Comptoir 102, Dubai

Discover The Boxtones, a Scottish/Canadian rock/pop living and performing in Dubai

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Shopping :

Main areas in Dubai

Most of the shops are located in malls though some tend to emerge in other areas like Jumeirah beach road (Jumeirah 1).

You can shop at:

  • Dubai Mall, the world’s largest mall
  • Mall of the Emirates, where you have Ski Dubai
  • Souk al Bahar, likned to Dubai Mall
  • Souks in old Dubai: the old souk, the gold souk and the spice souk
  • Jumeirah Emirates Tower (DIFC)
  • City Walk in Jumeirah, an open-air mall
  • The Walk at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), another outdoor “Mall” along the beach

Desperate in Dubai

Dubai - 22 mai 2015

Desperate in Dubai

Portraits de Ville Dubai

Dubai - 21 mai 2015

Portaits de ville Dubai